Golf Mk7 Towing/Towbar Thread

[Euro Car Upgrades]

Tow Bar to work correctly requires a VW module. This is responsible for CAN communication with other modules:
- engine - when towing it works differently to cope with extra load - sometimes switches additional fan to cool
- ABS / ESP module - these work differently when trailer is hooked to avoid jack knifing.
- CECM - This power module distributes power in another way when trailer is hooked - also visually aids the driver when trailer is hooked on dashboard
- OPS - This is coded so when trailer is hooked up sensors do not beep
- CAN gateway - trailer module is coded into the gateway (main comms hub) so the car and other modules know what to do
- RVC - reversing camera - similar thing to parking sensors - recognises the trailer on the screen switches off dynamic lines
- 5F Information Electronics - ensures entertainment system displays all the trailer info correctly.

There is probably a couple of other which we are not aware of.
Overall when the proper VW / Westfalia module is fitted it is safer & easier for the car & driver to deal with the trailer. Many vehicles activate additional fan so the engine does not overheat (A5 cabrio is a great example).

[fastmk7]

try the Westfalia dist in ustralia , they have a tow bar and wiring kit avail.

[Euro Car Upgrades]

Westfalia is the go. For anyone in Qld we can help with supply & install as we are their distributor

[Paul_R]

I've hooked up the trailer to see what HRs ECU does. Remember I went with the HR class 4 to get the 50mm square hitch for a specific bike rack that will not use trailer wiring anyway. I might hook up my trailer to take some rubbish to the tip a couple of kms away once or twice a year? Whole job was $1300 fitted.

Good news is that it works. By that I mean the lights work, the car drives and no funny warning lights come on. There has been something wired in that requires a power feed from the battery. Other than that I can't see any other new electrics. From what I can gather the HR ECU just stops the car going nuts when the trailer lights come on which would cause voltage drop and trip bulb out warnings. The description is of the trailer being 'invisible' to the car ECU.

Bad news is there is no indication that the car realises it has a trailer hooked up as the rear parking sensors go mad when you put it in reverse. I assume from this that no coding of the VW ECU has been done. I also imagine that if the trailer is indeed 'invisible' then there is no point in hooking up VCDS to recode as there would be no trigger to tell the ECU when the trailer is hooked up.

I may be wrong on this last point and will email HR and ask them. I doubt I'll get the answer I want.

So, if you want a 50mm hitch for occasional short trips go ahead with the HR option. If you plan on doing lots of towing, particularly out of town, then watch this space. Can a genuine VW loom be used and coded up via VCDS? Probably, but at what cost?

[Euro Car Upgrades]

Genuine VW / Westfalia module with wiring kit which works with all the bits is $245+GST for Golf 7
You are looking at around 2.8 hours labour to fit and code it properly.
Pretty cheap for what it does to your safety

[Paul_R]

Should have mentioned I have a Passat. Sorry for posting in Golf section but no one ever goes to Passat section.

I am interested liquidforce. Know anyone Albury direction who would fit it up if I bought one from you?

[Euro Car Upgrades]

Paul what year and shape Passat as there 2 different kits. Vw should be able to fit it in in Albury or you can DIY as instructions come with it

[Paul_R]

Run out special. 2014 130 TDI wagon.
Cheers

[Euro Car Upgrades]

New passat Wiring loom is $269 and the towbar is $739
This is a VW genuine solution with proper CAN module.

Run out special. 2014 130 TDI wagon.
Cheers

[lambertia]

Should have mentioned I have a Passat. Sorry for posting in Golf section but no one ever goes to Passat section.

I am interested liquidforce. Know anyone Albury direction who would fit it up if I bought one from you?

It behaves the same in the Golf. I would prefer the sexy ECU but for the limited towing I do its not worth the cost.

[Euro Car Upgrades]

Module in a Golf is different to Passat. Same price but different setup.
VW Australia sells them at about $500 for these. $269 is a like sexy and cheap like a startup hooker haha

[b c]

Module in a Golf is different to Passat. Same price but different setup.
VW Australia sells them at about $500 for these. $269 is a like sexy and cheap like a startup hooker haha

VW dealership had VW wiring, but didn't know how much it would cost to install as they had never done it. I was looking at $1000+ just for the wiring, so didn't as I have relatively simple needs of the towbar.

[Euro Car Upgrades]

They must have quoted you some crazy price coz they did not want to fit and they wanted you to walk away.
Its surprising what dealers can do to loose a client.
$1000 for a simple module and a few cable surely is a joke of 2014.

VW dealership had VW wiring, but didn't know how much it would cost to install as they had never done it. I was looking at $1000+ just for the wiring, so didn't as I have relatively simple needs of the towbar.

[b c]

They must have quoted you some crazy price coz they did not want to fit and they wanted you to walk away.
Its surprising what dealers can do to loose a client.
$1000 for a simple module and a few cable surely is a joke of 2014.

$440 for wiring harness, $495 for 3 hrs fitting, but likely to run over as they hadn't done it before - so I turned around and went elsewhere. Love my Golf as a car, but not even a little bit impressed with VW Aus and the dealers

[lambertia]

$440 for wiring harness, $495 for 3 hrs fitting, but likely to run over as they hadn't done it before - so I turned around and went elsewhere. Love my Golf as a car, but not even a little bit impressed with VW Aus and the dealers

Yes that's crazy. Punish the customer because we refuse to train our staff. They should cap the installation cost and treat it as a training experience.